Page 2 of Sweet Dreams

An hour later!

Elma took over an hour to talk about shit that I didn’t care about, and even when the delivery showed up, she followed me, still talking. No matter how much I told her I had stuff to finish, she still never left. Now, I’m scrambling to set the backroom up for the Mom and Tot program. I’m beginning to think there are a lot of downfalls in this town. Me being one of them.

That stupid bell above the door rings as I throw the last cushion on the floor. It’s about to get loud in here. I make my way to the front, and a pile of one- to two-year-olds run rampant through the shop as their moms gossip. I have to remind myself it’s worth renting the backroom; it helps pay the rent.

“Morning, everyone. I hope you’re having a terrific Tuesday. The room is all ready for you.”

Holly, the mom in charge of this chaos, steps forward with her daughter. “Thanks again, Teagan. This means a lot to us. The kids love coming here.”

I take another look around, books tossed on the ground. I’m sure they do. I laugh nervously. “Yeah, I cantell. I’ll see you all in an hour. If you need anything, I’ll be out here.”

The older kids run screaming toward the room while the moms hold steady to the younger ones who haven’t yet discovered their working legs. God have mercy on them when they finally do. I look at the mess the little monsters left me, another thing to add to my busy day.

I’m stacking the last of a fantasy series when the bell goes off again. It’s been a steady flow of customers, and I can’t seem to get anything done. The gust of wind blows in the smell of decomposing leaves, and I inhale as much as possible. The hairs on my neck stand up, and my hand freezes. I glance over my shoulder and come face to face with a crotch. My cheeks flame up, but I can’t seem to look away. His dark-wash jeans don’t leave much to the imagination. I watch his hand slowly sink into his pocket, and my mind wonders if he can feel his dick.

He clears his throat, “Teagan?”

I blink, jolting backward into the bookshelf. When I take a look, Silas is gazing down at me. Oh, sweet baby Jesus. I was just checking out his fucking dick. I struggle to stand, slipping on books. I reach out for the shelf but grab Silas’ hand instead. His touch sent bolts of electricity throughout my body, a feeling I’dnever felt before. I quickly snatch my hand back and shove myself upright.

I dust myself off and avoid glancing at him. “I’m sorry, Silas. How can I help you?”

When he speaks, I damn near melt on the spot. “I was eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the new fantasy book I had requested.” his husky voice is hard to resist.

Fantasy book, what fantasy book? Oh my god, my brain is mush right now. I still avoid him as I turn and walk to the counter. I wiggle the mouse, waking the computer after a few clicks, I’m in the ordering system.

“Can you freshen my memory? Which book was it?”

He chuckles. “It was The Cursed Sorcerer. I do believe it’s book two, if that helps.”

It doesn’t help, not when he keeps staring at me. I try to type the words, but my fingers won’t cooperate. And I can’t lie and say we have it because he’ll want me to show it to him. I will my brain to focus.

“You’re in luck. It says it arrived this morning, but I’ve been so busy that I never noticed it come in. I’m not even sure I stocked it yet, to be completely honest. It’s been a nut house here. I’m sure you can hear it.” I glance to the backroom and cringe. I’m not looking forward to cleaningit.

Silas pears over his shoulder, and his body shivers. “How many kids are in there?”

“Ten kids plus their moms. If you want to avoid it, every Tuesday is Mom and Tot at 10.”

“Noted. Kids give me the creeps,” he grumbled.

A snort escapes before I can stop it. I slam my hand over my mouth and blink at Silas; that only encourages him to laugh.

“Shut it. I’ll go find your book while you enjoy the sound of the children.” I step around the counter for the storage room.

“That isn’t funny, Teagan,” he calls out.

That’s the most I’ve ever talked to Silas. Something is different with him today; usually, he finds a book, pays, and then leaves. A few words are exchanged, but nothing like this. I’ve never been able to joke around with him, nor have I embarrassed myself so much.

The stock room is a mess and if Elma had left me alone this morning, all these books would’ve been put away by now. I might have to break down and hire an extra set of hands. Christmas season will be a nut house around here, and I know I won’t be able to keep up.

“Sorry, Silas. It’s ridiculous back there. Here is your book. How many more are there in the series?” Iask, stepping out of the storage room, but Silas isn’t where I left him. “Silas?”

I scan the shop, but he is nowhere to be seen. I didn’t hear the bell ring, so he has to be here somewhere. It’s a tiny ass shop, and he sticks out. I make my way to the backroom, peeking in on the group. They have twenty more minutes before the little monsters destroy the shelves again.

“Silas?” I call out near the bathroom.

I’ve never hunted down a grown-ass man in my shop before, but I must say it’s exciting. My heart races when I check every aisle, but I’m stumped when I come up empty-handed. A person doesn’t disappear, can they?

Holly opens the backroom door, and chaos explodes. All the moms look tired, and the kids look like they could go on for hours. I try to avert my eyes as books go flying, and the moms apologize, but I keep reminding myself. It helps with the rent.

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